It's not lupus, but just in case: First Lupus drug in 50 years given the go-ahead

[Tentacle]

[quote]ADELPHI, Md. -- An FDA advisory panel has voted 13 to 2 to recommend approval for belimumab (Benlysta) to treat lupus, despite clinical trials of the drug showing only marginal efficacy. If the FDA approves belimumab, it would be the first new treatment for lupus approved in 50 years.

The drug, made by Human Genome Sciences and GlaxoSmithKline, was only slightly more effective at easing lupus symptoms than placebo, but it did decrease the amount of steroids patients took, and panelists felt that it could be a promising new option for patients who are often plagued by debilitating joint pain, rashes, intense fatigue, and major weight gain.

"I think this is very exciting that this [could be the] first drug to be approved after five decades," said panelist Maria Suarez-Almazor, MD, a rheumatologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston.

Belimumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting a protein known as the B-lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS, which helps mediate maturation of antibody-producing beta cells.

The panel voted 10 to 5 that belimumab appeared effective in treating adult autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus patients who are receiving standard therapy. The drug would be dosed at 10mg/kg at two-week intervals for the first three doses, and at four-week intervals thereafter.[/quote]

[url=http://holykaw.alltop.com/fda-panel-backs-first-drug-for-lupus-in-50-ye?tu2=1]Source[/url]

[img]http://www.koztoujours.fr/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/drhouse.jpg[/img]

[Elizer]

It's never Lupus.

[CharadesV2]

My dad bought a ton of stocks in Human Genome Sciences early this year in preparation of this drug, hopefully he gets his money's worth.

[Cl0cK]

It's probably lupus, finally.

[wuzzimu]

I wonder what the old treatment was, from the 60s.

[salty peanut]

So...it is lupus?